Cattle walk through a stretch of forest near Camp Mather that was burned by the Rim Fire last month. About 4,000 animals were grazing in the area when the fire began.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Cattle walk through a stretch of forest near Camp Mather that was...

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GROVELAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Cows graze in a field as the Rim Fire burns in nearby hills on August 28, 2013 near Groveland, California. Over 3,500 firefighters are battling the destructive Rim Fire that has charred 180,000 acres and has entered a section of Yosemite National Park. The fire is currently 23 percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

GROVELAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Cows graze in a field as the Rim Fire...

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In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 image provided by the U.S. Forest Service, a member of the BLM Silver State Hotshot crew patrols the fire line during burn operations on the southern flank of the Rim Fire in California. The blaze has scorched 343 square miles of brush, oaks and pines and 11 homes, as of Saturday Aug. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/ U.S. Forest Service, Mike McMillan)

Photo: Mike McMillan, Associated Press

In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 image provided by the U.S. Forest...

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Inmate firefighters walk along state Highway 120 as firefighters continue to battle the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. Fire crews are clearing brush and setting sprinklers to protect two groves of giant sequoias as a massive week-old wildfire rages along the remote northwest edge of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Inmate firefighters walk along state Highway 120 as firefighters...

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In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 image provided by the U.S. Forest Service, a member of the BLM Silver State Hotshot crew patrols the fire line during burn operations on the southern flank of the Rim Fire in California. The blaze has scorched 343 square miles of brush, oaks and pines and 11 homes, as of Saturday Aug. 31, 2013.

Photo: Mike McMillan, Associated Press

In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 image provided by the U.S. Forest...

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Firefighters monitor a plume of smoke from the Rim Fire on August 22, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that was reduced to only 2 percent containment after it nearly tripled in size overnight.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Firefighters monitor a plume of smoke from the Rim Fire on August...

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In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, fire crew members stand watch near a burn area as they fight the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park in California Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013. The massive wildfire is now 75 percent contained according to a state fire spokesman.

Photo: Mike McMillan, Associated Press

In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, fire crew...

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In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, a member of the Monterey Hotshots carries a gas can near a burn operation on the southern flank of the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park in California. The wildfire burning in and around Yosemite National Park has become the fourth-largest conflagration in California history.

Photo: Mike McMillan, Associated Press

In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 photo provided by the U.S. Forest...

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In this Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 image provided by the U.S. Forest Service, members of the BLM Silver State Hotshot crew perform burn operations on the southern flank of the Rim Fire in California. The blaze has scorched 343 square miles of brush, oaks and pines and 11 homes, as of Saturday Aug. 31, 2013.

This photo obtained August 30, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest Service, shows a Hotshot walking the fire line on August 29, 2013. The wildfire threatening Yosemite National Park is spreading further into the US tourist landmark, officials said as they battled to stop it clouding a holiday weekend. Efforts to contain the so-called Rim Fire, which has grown to become California's sixth biggest wildfire ever, were also being boosted by the deployment of a military drone approved by the Pentagon. The fire, which now covers more than 192,000 acres, or 300 square miles, and is 30 percent contained, has also threatened San Francisco's water supply, due to ash falling on a key reservoir.

Photo: Mike Mcmillan, AFP/Getty Images

This photo obtained August 30, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest...

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Firefighter Russell Mitchell monitors a back burn during the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013. Unnaturally long intervals between wildfires and years of drought primed the Sierra Nevada for the explosive conflagration chewing up the rugged landscape on the edge of Yosemite National Park, forestry experts say. The fire had ravaged 282 square miles by Tuesday, the biggest in the Sierra's recorded history and one of the largest on record in California.

Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Firefighter Russell Mitchell monitors a back burn during the Rim...

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This photo obtained August 28, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest Service, shows a view from Pilot Peak lookout of the Rim Fire . The wildfire threatening Yosemite National Park is still burning its way into the huge US tourist attraction despite dogged efforts by thousands of firefighters using planes and bulldozers. Ash is gathering on the surface of a reservoir serving San Francisco, but officials said water quality has not been affected. The so-called Rim Fire -- California's seventh biggest ever -- now covers some 281 square miles , an area bigger than Chicago. The fire, which broke out August 17, was still only 20 percent contained compared to 15 percent on August 26, 2013. Highway 120, a main road into Yosemite from the west, remains closed as more than 3,700 firefighters battle the flames.

Photo: Mike Mcmillan, AFP/Getty Images

This photo obtained August 28, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest...

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A Smokey the Bear sign is posted along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A Smokey the Bear sign is posted along US highway 120 as the Rim...

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A vehicle from San Andreas fire department drives by a back fire as crews battle the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A vehicle from San Andreas fire department drives by a back fire as...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire as he battles the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire...

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Firefighter Russell Mitchell, left, monitors a back burn during the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013. Unnaturally long intervals between wildfires and years of drought primed the Sierra Nevada for the explosive conflagration chewing up the rugged landscape on the edge of Yosemite National Park, forestry experts say. The fire had ravaged 282 square miles by Tuesday, the biggest in the Sierra's recorded history and one of the largest on record in California.

Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Firefighter Russell Mitchell, left, monitors a back burn during the...

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Flames from the Rim Fire burn near a road sign pointing towards Yosemite on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Flames from the Rim Fire burn near a road sign pointing towards...

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Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire...

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Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire...

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An air tanker drops fire retardant on a ridge ahead of the advancing Rim Fire on August 22, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

An air tanker drops fire retardant on a ridge ahead of the...

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Firefighters from Cosumnes Fire Department monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 22, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Firefighters from Cosumnes Fire Department monitor a back fire...

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A coyote walks across U.S. Highway 120, shut down due to the Rim Fire on August 23, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A coyote walks across U.S. Highway 120, shut down due to the Rim...

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The remains of a small tree stands near a grove of trees burned by the Rim Fire outside of Camp Mather on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

The remains of a small tree stands near a grove of trees burned by...

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Firefighters move in to douse a spot fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 24, 2013 in Yosemite National Park, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Firefighters move in to douse a spot fire while battling the Rim...

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The Rim Fire consumes trees on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

The Rim Fire consumes trees on August 24, 2013 near Groveland,...

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A firefighter uses a hose to douse the flames of the Rim Fire on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A firefighter uses a hose to douse the flames of the Rim Fire on...

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A member of the West Stanislaus County Fire Department monitors the Rim Fire along highway 120 on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A member of the West Stanislaus County Fire Department monitors the...

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A member of the West Stanislaus County Fire Department monitors the Rim Fire along highway 120 on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California.

Photo: Getty Images

A member of the West Stanislaus County Fire Department monitors the...

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Smoke from the Rim Fire fills the sky on August 24, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Smoke from the Rim Fire fills the sky on August 24, 2013 near...

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service firefighter Corey Adams sits on a tree stump as he monitors the Rim Fire on August 25, 2013 near Groveland, California.

Photo: Getty Images

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service firefighter Corey Adams sits on a...

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Flames from the Rim Fire consume trees on August 25, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Flames from the Rim Fire consume trees on August 25, 2013 near...

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Trees burned by the Rim Fire stand on August 25, 2013 in Yosemite National Park, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

Trees burned by the Rim Fire stand on August 25, 2013 in Yosemite...

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A burned car sits on the side of the road after being consumed by the Rim Fire on August 25, 2013 near Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 4,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park.

Photo: Getty Images

A burned car sits on the side of the road after being consumed by...

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Cars pass under a sign thanking firefighters that hangs over highway 120 on August 27, 2013 in Groveland, California. As the Rim Fire continues to burn in and around Yosemite National Park, local businesses along highway 120 are taking a financial hit as tourists are diverted to other entrances to the park due to the closure of highway 120. Over 3,500 firefighters are battling the blaze that has charred 180,000 acres and has entered a section of Yosemite National Park. The fire is currently 20 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Cars pass under a sign thanking firefighters that hangs over...

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A homemade sign thanking firefighters is posted on highway 120 on August 27, 2013 in Groveland, California. As the Rim Fire continues to burn in and around Yosemite National Park, local businesses along highway 120 are taking a financial hit as tourists are diverted to other entrances to the park due to the closure of highway 120. Over 3,500 firefighters are battling the blaze that has charred 180,000 acres and has entered a section of Yosemite National Park. The fire is currently 20 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A homemade sign thanking firefighters is posted on highway 120 on...

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In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters hose down a hotspot near a ranger station as they fight the Rim Fire in Yosemite National Park in California Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013. The massive wildfire is now 75 percent contained according to a state fire spokesman.

Photo: Mike McMillan, Associated Press

In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters...

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This photo obtained August 23, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest Service, shows the Rim Fire as it burns near Yosemite National Park, California. The wildfire outside Yosemite National Park, is one of more than 50 major brush blazes burning across the western United States , has more than tripled in size overnight and still threatens about 2,500 homes, hotels and camp buildings. Fire officials say that the blaze burning in remote, steep terrain has grown to more than 84 square miles and was only 2 percent contained on August 22, 2013, down from 5 percent a day earlier.

Western edge of Rim Fire near Yosemite taken from airliner approaching San Francisco

Photo: Algreening, Algreening / Reader Photo

Western edge of Rim Fire near Yosemite taken from airliner...

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A firefighter from Cosumnes Fire Department monitors a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 22, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that was reduced to only 2 percent containment after it nearly tripled in size overnight.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Cosumnes Fire Department monitors a back fire...

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A spot fire along Highway 120 on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the Rim Fire continues has grown to over 36,000 acres near Groveland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

A spot fire along Highway 120 on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the...

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A fire restrictions sign is partially burned away by the Rim Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, in California. California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency due to the huge fire, one of several blazes burning in or near the nation's national parks and one of 50 major uncontained fires burning across the western U.S.

Photo: Andy Alfaro, Associated Press

A fire restrictions sign is partially burned away by the Rim Fire...

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Fire hoses surround the buildings at Camp Mather as fire crews arrived this morning for a structure protection assignment on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the Rim Fire has grown to over 36,000 acres near Groveland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Fire hoses surround the buildings at Camp Mather as fire crews...

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Smoke from the Rim Fire is visible from satellite images.

Photo: NOAA

Smoke from the Rim Fire is visible from satellite images.

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Helicopters were out in force making water drops near Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Helicopters were out in force making water drops near Ferretti Rd....

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This photo obtained August 23, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest Service, shows the Rim Fire as it burns near Yosemite National Park, California. The wildfire outside Yosemite National Park, is one of more than 50 major brush blazes burning across the western United States , has more than tripled in size overnight and still threatens about 2,500 homes, hotels and camp buildings. Fire officials say that the blaze burning in remote, steep terrain has grown to more than 84 square miles (135 km) and was only 2 percent contained on August 22, 2013, down from 5 percent a day earlier.

Photo: Ho, AFP/Getty Images

This photo obtained August 23, 2013 courtesy of the US Forest...

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A fire crew works on a back-fire to prevent the wildfire from crossing Ferretti Rd. on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the Rim Fire has grown to over 36,000 acres in Groveland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

A fire crew works on a back-fire to prevent the wildfire from...

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Fire crews set back-fires to prevent the wildfire from crossing Ferretti Rd. on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the Rim Fire has grown to over 36,000 acres in Groveland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Fire crews set back-fires to prevent the wildfire from crossing...

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A firefighter watches along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

A firefighter watches along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire as he battles the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire...

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Helicopters were out in force making water drops near Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Helicopters were out in force making water drops near Ferretti Rd....

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A U.S. Forest Service firefighter monitors the Rim Fire on August 22, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that was reduced to only 2 percent containment after it nearly tripled in size overnight.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A U.S. Forest Service firefighter monitors the Rim Fire on August...

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as the more than 16,000 acre wildfire continues to grow near Groveland, Ca., Tuesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

as the more than 16,000 acre wildfire continues to grow near...

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Firefighters with engine 372 from El Cerrito,Calif. watch the perimeter of the Tuolumne Trails resort along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Firefighters with engine 372 from El Cerrito,Calif. watch the...

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Faller Craig Morgan who is responsible for cutting down unstable burned trees walks through a burned area off of Packard Canyon Rd. near Groveland, Ca., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Faller Craig Morgan who is responsible for cutting down unstable...

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Fire burns near the Tuolumne Trails resort off Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Ca., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Fire burns near the Tuolumne Trails resort off Ferretti Rd. in...

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Firefighters attend the 6 a.m. morning briefing at the incident base camp as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow near Groveland, Ca., on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Firefighters attend the 6 a.m. morning briefing at the incident...

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Homeowner Ty Vamosh watches the distant smoke near his property along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Ca., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Homeowner Ty Vamosh watches the distant smoke near his property...

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A fire truck from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A fire truck from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitors a back fire...

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Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire...

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Flames from the Rim Fire burn near a road sign pointing towards Yosemite on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Flames from the Rim Fire burn near a road sign pointing towards...

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The sun sets through heavy smoke from the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

The sun sets through heavy smoke from the Rim Fire on August 21,...

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Helicopters were out in force making water drops anear Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Helicopters were out in force making water drops anear Ferretti Rd....

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Helicopters were out in force making water drops along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Helicopters were out in force making water drops along Ferretti Rd....

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool down hot spots while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool...

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Firefighters attend the 6 a.m. morning briefing at the incident base camp as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow near Groveland, Ca., on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Firefighters attend the 6 a.m. morning briefing at the incident...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a drip torch to light a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a drip torch to...

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Helicopters were out in force making water drops along Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Calif., as the 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Helicopters were out in force making water drops along Ferretti Rd....

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Fire crews set back-fires to prevent the wildfire from crossing Ferretti Rd. on Thursday August 22, 2013, as the Rim Fire has grown to over 36,000 acres in Groveland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

Fire crews set back-fires to prevent the wildfire from crossing...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool down hot spots of back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool down hot spots of back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool...

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A Smokey the Bear sigb is posted along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A Smokey the Bear sigb is posted along US highway 120 as the Rim...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool down hot spots of back fire as he battles the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a hose to cool...

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A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a drip torch to light a back fire as they battle the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A firefighter from Ebbetts Pass Fire District uses a drip torch to...

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Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire as they battle the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Firefighters from Ebbetts Pass Fire District monitor a back fire as...

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An air tanker drops fire retardent near Ferretti Rd. in Groveland, Ca., as the more than 16,000 acre Rim Fire continues to grow on Wednesday August 21, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

An air tanker drops fire retardent near Ferretti Rd. in Groveland,...

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Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out...

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Firefighters monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on August 21, 2013 in Groveland, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Firefighters monitor a back fire while battling the Rim Fire on...

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Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Buck Meadows, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out...

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Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Buck Meadows, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out...

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A car drives along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Buck Meadows, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

A car drives along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of...

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Fire consumes trees along US highway 120 as the Rim Fire burns out of control on August 21, 2013 in Buck Meadows, California. The Rim Fire continues to burn out of control and threatens 2,500 homes outside of Yosemite National Park. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze that is only 5 percent contained.

For decades, the crisp air, natural water sources and abundant vegetation of Stanislaus National Forest have served as idyllic grazing land for grass-fed cattle in the summer months.

About 4,000 cows were ranging there when the Rim Fire ignited Aug. 17. Now, as the fire continues to spread over more than 200,000 acres, ranch hands are scrambling to find what's left of their herds - dead, wounded or unscathed.

With large numbers believed to be dead, and the near future of grazing in the forest up in the air, the cattle industry is another victim of the massive blaze on the west edge of Yosemite.

"They go out every day, gathering the cows they can find, the ones that have made it into the green areas," said Susan Forbes, a national forest staffer. "They're finding pockets of livestock and concentrating on removing them as fast as they can."

When the fire struck, many ranches located nearby were able to evacuate, often with the help of volunteers offering trucks, trailers and temporary land for displaced animals.

But for those with permits to bring cattle into the national forest, moving them is laborious and time-consuming. The cattle are scattered over thousands of acres.

Few ranchers had enough warning - or resources - to get up to the mountains and move livestock. Forbes said 12 of 36 grazing areas in the park were affected.

Little time to react

While some owners had time, she said, "This fire really raged up quickly. Some didn't have as much time."

"We put bells on our cows so we can hear them, and they're mostly creatures of habit, so we know where to find them," Gaiser said. "But the 240 animals that I take to the mountains, it takes me three weeks to get 90 percent of them and another three weeks to get the other 10 percent.

"I don't think the forest service expected the fire would do what it did in those few hours," he said. "There was just no way for them to gather those cows in that time."

Gaiser, who blames the swift spread of the fire on a lack of federal funding for forest thinning, said local ranchers are now facing some tough decisions for the future.

They have to deal with financial losses - a cow can be worth more than $1,000 - and find feed for surviving animals, some which are wounded.

There's also the chance they won't be able to return their cattle to the damaged lands next summer, a practice that some ranching families have relied on for generations.

"It's bad, and we're worried long term," said Gaiser, who is among those offering space at his ranch for injured cattle. "You talk to people who have gone through fires in other parts of the state and they go through the same thing. It's just our year, I guess."

Federal authorities won't have an exact count of how much livestock was lost until the fire is under control, said Paul Lehman, a U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesman. That may take three to four weeks.

Helping hands

The Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency may be able to provide some relief to ranchers who lost cattle, in the form of loans and restoration of damaged lands, Lehman said.

Many residents living in the rural communities affected by the blaze own other farm animals. Some have relied of the kindness of neighbors.

Teri Elam, Tuolumne County's supervising animal control officer, said the agency has been inundated with people volunteering to transport or house horses, pigs, chickens and just about anything else.

"I have never seen anything like this," she said. "It's awesome."

Melanie Hurst, 24, whose family runs Hurst Ranch in nearby Jamestown, was one of those volunteers.

A few days after the fire started, she went to the petting zoo at Yosemite Pines RV Resort in Groveland with her truck and trailer to help move two miniature donkeys, two alpacas, six goats, a sheep and 10 chickens into a facility offering space.

"Animals are a part of our lifestyle here," Hurst said. "We just wanted to make sure that the owners were at ease knowing they could evacuate and their animals were safe."

Rim Fire updates

The Rim Fire continued growing overnight Saturday and on Sunday, moving it up a spot to become the fourth largest wildfire in California history. But the pace has slowed considerably. Details from Cal Fire as of Sunday afternoon:

-- 222,777 acres (348 square miles) burned

-- 40 percent contained - up from 35 percent on Saturday

-- About 8 percent, or 94 square miles, of Yosemite National Park has burned